The suit filed Monday in U.S. District court argues environmental effects were improperly assessed, putting the public at risk.

The Reno Gazette-Journal (http://on.rgj.com/1e8aIIY ) reports that the lawsuit demands the Regional Transportation Commission and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stop work until adequate environmental reviews are complete.

Critics argue the project raises the risk of potential flooding of nearby homes and exposure to harmful contamination from mercury-laden Steamboat Creek.

The suit also says it damage sensitive wetlands and habitat of the threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout.